Fluid Meter Testing and Profiling System

ABSTRACT

A platform configured for evaluating metering technologies and generating meter profiles using information derived from a plurality of meters retrieved from a plurality of environments. The platform may include a centralized data storage system in communication with a fluid meter test bench system. A computing device automatically controls fluid meter test bench system to measure the accuracy of fluid meters and transfers meter data to at least one of the centralized data storage system or a local data silo in communication with the centralized data storage system. Exemplary meter data includes meter type data, meter test data and meter environmental data. Meter environmental data may comprise meter install location and at least one of fluid quality data or fluid meter mounting position. The platform is configured to provide a meter profile for each meter tested based at least in part on the meter data and the test system data.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/424,477 which claims priority to US provisional application filed on27 May 2018 and is a continuation of pending U.S. non-provisionalapplication Ser. No. 16/019,479 filed on 26 Jun. 2018 claiming priorityto U.S. provisional application 62/677,077 filed on 27 May 2018 andwhich is a continuation of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/646,043,filed on 10 Jul. 2017 and claiming priority to U.S. provisionalapplication 62/525,104 filed on 26 Jun. 2017 which are incorporated bythis reference for all that they disclose for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to developing a centralized data collectionplatform in communication with a plurality of test systems deployed in aplurality of locations for generating an A Posteriori Database (APD)used to generate performance predictions for metering technology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

No fluid measuring device (such as a water meter and a water meter testsystem) is ideal for providing error-free measurements. There willalways be metering errors. The best one can do is develop a measurementprocess that provides repeatable results and adjust such a process overtime to make it as accurate as possible. With regard to water metersused to measure the flow of water, every water meter, no matter itstype, has limited measuring ability. Consequently, either part of thewater consumption will not be registered (resulting inundercharging—lost revenue), or there will be an over registration ofthe water consumption (resulting in overcharges). In either case,particularly in the area of metering water consumption, it is importantto quantify the magnitude of such measuring errors and determine wnatcauses them so that entities that purchase water meters can makeinformed decisions regarding the type of meter to purchase for aparticular environment. Such requires data collected from a variety oftrusted sources deployed in a plurality of locations using known-gooddata collection processes.

There are at least two basic types of data that are useful whenconsidering the best item to purchase: (1) “laboratory” data and (2)field data. Laboratory data is simply data collected under controlledconditions. Measuring horsepower is a good example. However, it shouldbe appreciated that horsepower values will not tell one how fast avehicle will be on a given track. For such information, one needs fielddata. Field data is data collected from an item under normal use orafter normal use. Thus, laboratory data predicts how an item will workin the real world, while field data tells one how an item worked in thereal world.

Currently, there is a general lack of organized information regardinglaboratory data and field data with regard to water meters that could beused to provide insight into the real effect of environmental parameterson the performance of water meters. Such information would allow waterutility personnel responsible for selecting metering technology toevaluate or estimate water meter accuracy for a target environment.Further, what has been clearly indicated from experiments and real-lifeexperience is that not every water meter has the same sensitivity to theenvironmental parameters that affect meter accuracy over time. Thus, itis not only important to select the most adequate metering technologytype (based on laboratory data/manufacturer specifications) but also theright construction that best suits the target environment (i.e. thespecific characteristics of the water supply system).

What is needed is a data collection system comprising both field andlaboratory data related to the factors that can affect water meteraccuracy for both domestic and industrial meter types. One way toassemble such information is to create a centralized data storage systemgenerated from a plurality of trusted sources using verified datacollection processes and equipment in a plurality of environments.

The present invention teaches the establishment of an A PosterioriDatabase (APD) using “laboratory data” and “field data” derived frommeter tests using a network of certified fluid meter test benches wherethe field data is based on evaluations of meters removed from a knownmetering environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be outlinedin the following description, while other objects and advantages of theinvention may be obvious from the description or may be learned throughthe practice of the invention.

Broadly speaking, a principal object of the present invention is toprovide a centralized database comprising meter data collected using aplurality of certified test systems configured for verifying theaccuracy of fluid meters.

Another object of the invention is to provide a network of certifiedfluid meter test systems associated with a global centralized datastorage system.

Still another object of the invention is to develop an A posterioridatabase comprising testing information for a plurality of metersdeployed in a plurality of environments.

A still additional object of the invention is to generate meter profilesthat include predictions for metering performance that are environmentspecific.

A further object of the invention is to track the individual componentsof metering systems and track performance and durability data for suchindividual components.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forthin the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilledin the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should befurther appreciated that modifications and variations to thespecifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps or featureshereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of thisinvention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtueof the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but arenot limited to, the substitution of equivalent steps, referenced ordiscussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal ofvarious features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to beunderstood that different embodiments, as well as different presentlypreferred embodiments, of this invention, may include variouscombinations or configurations of presently disclosed features orelements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features orparts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures orstated in the detailed description).

Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the featuresand aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of theremainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, includingthe best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, isset forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary fluid meter test bench;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an exemplary fluid meter test bench;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram representation of a plurality of test benchesassociated with a centralized storage system.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an exemplary fluid meter comprising aregister and housing;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the meter in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded side perspective view of an exemplarymeter housing (minus the bottom plate) and internal measuring components(no register) associated with a tracking element; and

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary meter with a trackingelement associated with the housing and register.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specificationand appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogousfeatures or elements of the present technology.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made in the presentinvention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.For instance, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still furtherembodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers suchmodifications and variations as come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects ofthe present invention are disclosed in or may be determined from thefollowing detailed description. Repeat use of reference characters isintended to represent the same or analogous features, elements, orsteps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art thatthe present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments onlyand is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

Construction Aids

For the purposes of this document, two or more items are “mechanicallyassociated” by bringing them together or into a relationship with eachother in any number of ways, including a direct or indirect physical“releasable connections” (snaps, screws, Velcro®, bolts, etc. —generallyconnections designed to be easily and frequently released andreconnected), “hard-connections” (welds, gluing, rivets, macular bonds,generally connections that one does not anticipate disconnecting veryoften if at all and that is “broken” to separate), and/or “moveableconnections” (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.).

Similarly, two or more items are “electrically associated” by bringingthem together or into a relationship with each other in any number ofways, including (a) a direct, indirect, or inductive communicationconnection and (b) a direct/indirect or inductive power connection.Additionally, while the drawings may illustrate various electroniccomponents of a system connected by a single line, it will beappreciated that such lines may represent one or more signal paths,power connections, electrical connections and/or cables as required bythe embodiment of interest.

For the purposes of this document, unless otherwise stated, the phrase“at least one of A, B, and C” means there is at least one of A, or atleast one of B, or at least one of C or any combination thereof (not oneof A, and one of B, and one of C).

As used herein, unless stated otherwise, the terms “first,” “second,”and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one componentfrom another and are not intended to signify the location or importanceof the individual components.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to therelative location of components in a fluid pathway. For example,component A is upstream of component B if fluid flows from component Ato component B. Conversely, component A is downstream of component B ifcomponent A receives a fluid flow from component B.

An a posteriori database contains data based on experience or empiricalevidence accumulated from testest systems. Notably, an a posterioridatabase may also include a priori knowledge and entries. As used in theclaims, the definite article “said” identifies required elements thatdefine the scope of embodiments of the claimed invention, whereas thedefinite article “the” merely identifies environmental elements thatprovide context for embodiments of the claimed invention that are notintended to be a limitation of any claim.

This document includes headers that are used for place markers only.Such headers are not meant to affect the construction of this document,do not in any way relate to the meaning of this document, nor shouldsuch headers be used for such purposes.

DESCRIPTION

While the particulars of the present invention and associated technologymay be adapted for use with any system configured to measure aparameter, the examples discussed herein are primarily in the context oftest benches configured to verify the accuracy of fluid meters such aswater meters.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a platform 10 configuredfor evaluating and profiling metering technologies from informationderived from a plurality of fluid meter test systems 12 deployed in aplurality of environments and in communication with a centralized datastorage system 14.

It seems useful to initially consider a fluid meter test system used tocollect the real-world meter data. It should be appreciated that much(but not all) of the fluid meter test bench system technology depictedin FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 has been developed over the past forty-plus yearsby the applicant who started developing fluid meter test bench systemsin the early 1980s. As is well known, fluid meters are configured tomeasure the volume of a fluid flowing through the meter. Utilitycompanies use fluid meters to measure fluid consumption for billingpurposes. Such fluid meters require testing to verify accuracy. A fluidmeter test system pushes fluid through both a fluid Meter-Under-Test(MUT) and a very accurate “reference meter.” Restated, all the fluidthat flows during a test flows through both the MUT (meter under test)and a reference meter. The reference meter is configured to generate avery accurate reference-volume reading (which is considered to be thecorrect reading). The MUT measures the volume of fluid that flowsthrough its measuring chamber and generates a MUT-volume reading.Ideally, the reference-volume reading is perfectly accurate. If a MUT isalso perfectly accurate, the MUT-volume reading will be identical to thereference-volume reading. How much the MUT-volume reading varies fromthe reference-volume reading is considered the MUT metering error.Further, a fluid meter would ideally have the same meter error at allflow rates. However, in the real world, the meter error is differentdepending on the flow rate and a fluid meter may measure a 2gallons/minute flow rate more accurately than 5 gallons/minute flow rate(for example). Thus, meters are typically tested at a plurality of flowrates.

Arguably, the most accurate way to test water meters is with agravimetric system. Thus, the “reference meter” described above isactually a gravimetric system that generates the previously describedreference-volume reading. While called a gravimetric system, such asystem may use both gravimetric and volumetric technologies.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an electronically controlled TestBench System 12 configured for testing the accuracy of fluid flow metersis presented. While the fluid could be any fluid, for the embodimentsdiscussed herein, the fluid is water. The test bench system 12 ispreferably electronically controlled and comprises a control console 16that houses control wiring, a computer, and scale interface hardware (tocommunicate automatically with scales). Such components collectivelydefine a controller 16 used to control the test bench system 12 to testfluid meters and serve as an operator interface for computerized andmanually controlled tests. The test bench system 12 comprises a sourcetank 18 containing enough water to perform the desired test (e.g., 200gallons). Source tank 18 is in fluid communication with a supply pump 20in fluid communication with and supplies fluid to test bench 22.

As best seen in FIG. 2, test bench 22 comprises a plurality of verticalsupport rails 24 mechanically associated with lower support rails 26 andupper support rails 28. Preferably, lower support rails 26 areassociated with the vertical support rails 24 a predefined distance fromthe vertical rail endpoints 30 to provide a toe space 32. Water fromsource tank 18 is pumped to and through the MUT 34 and output path 36 toa measurement tank 38, which rests on scales 40. The scales 40 are usedto measure the weight of the water pumped through the MUTs 34 during thetest and into the measurement tank 38, where such weight is used (atleast in part) to determine a reference-volume value. Suchreference-volume value is compared to that of the volumes registered onthe various MUTs 34 to determine their respective accuracy.

After the reference-volume has been measured and the test is complete,the fluid in measurement tank 38 is drained via return lines 42 andreturned to the source tank 18 using return pump 44, allowing the fluidto be reused in subsequent tests. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate, however, that the source tank 18 may be replaced with anysuitable water source, and the test fluid may simply be drained from themeasurement tank 38 and discarded, eliminating the need for return lines42 and return pump 44.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a plurality of MUTs 34 are connected inseries, allowing the plurality of meters to be tested simultaneously.The input and output of each meter are associated with an adapterapparatus 36, which is further associated with a bench-to-apparatusinterface 38 associated with a test bench flow path. Notably, the inputsand outputs of MUT 34 could be connected with a flow path defined bytest bench 12 using typical prior art metering couplings; however, suchrequires much more work and time compared to using a specially madeadapter apparatus for coupling a fluid meter to the fluid flow path of atest system.

Reviewing now more particularly to FIG. 3, an exemplary platform 10configured for evaluating and profiling metering technologies usinginformation derived from a plurality of fluid meter test systems 12deployed in a plurality of environments and in communication with acentralized data storage system 14 is presented. The platform 10 is incommunication with a plurality of test bench systems 12 characterized bytest system data and deployed in a plurality of environments. Each ofthe plurality of test bench systems 12 are configured with a controller16 comprising a computing device 16 c for automatically controlling itsrespective test bench system 12 to measure the accuracy of fluid meters34. The computing device preferably defines an integral interface 16 ior is in communication with an interface 16 i that controls itsrespective test bench 22. Each controller is in communication with acentralized data storage system 14 either directly or indirectly via adevice such as a webserver 50. A local user 52 with direct access to thecontroller 16 or remote user 54 connected to a controller 16 via awebserver 50 my conduct or monitor testing. Notably, a remote user 54may be in communication with webserver 50 or the centralized datastorage system 14 using an application executed by a device such as asmartphone.

The test system software is loaded on each computing device 16 c or isoperably associated with each computing device 16 c (e.g., software as aservice). The test software is configured to provide a user interface toallow either a local user 52 or a remote user 54 to communicate with thecontroller 16 components to conduct fluid meter testing and generatemeter data for the meters under test 34. For this document, meter datacomprises meter type data, meter test data, and meter environmentaldata. The test system software is further configured to transfer atleast part of the test system data and the meter data to a centralizeddata storage system 14, described in more detail below. It should beappreciated that the test system software may be loaded locally oncomputer 16 c, or it may be software made available over a network via a“software as a service” system as well as a mixture of the two. Softwareas a service is simply software that is accessed over a network. Theplatform 10 is configured to use the centralized meter data and testsystem data to define a prior knowledge and derive a posterior knowledgeto provide a profile for each meter tested.

As noted above, meter data comprises meter type data, meter test data,and meter environmental data.

Meter Type Data

The first data type considered is the meter type data. Exemplary metertype data is provided in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Meter Type Data Name Description Manufacturer Who manufacturedthe meter Manufactured Date When the meter was manufactured Date Placedin Service When the meter was placed in service Manufacturer ContactManufacturer website, phone contacts, Information electronic contactsMeter Housing element The material used to construct housing and housingID number Meter Register element Type of register and date registerassociated with housing Meter measurement Type of measurement elementsand when elements measurement elements were associated with housingMeter transmitter If a transmitter is present, transmitter elementidentifying information Meter ID Meter Identification Number Meter SizeSize of the meter Meter Type Metering technology K Factor Correctionfactor User Defined Any data a user might wish to record and monitor

As Table 1 above indicates, there are many meter parameters that fallunder meter type data, including a housing element identifier, ameasuring element identifier, a register identifier, and a transmitteridentifier.

Referring now to FIG. 4 through FIG. 7, one feature of the disclosedtechnology includes optional tracking of meter components (i.e.,sub-components). For example, as depicted in FIG. 4 through FIG. 6, fora typical water meter, such a meter can be described as having threemajor components: (1) Housing element 62, (b) Register element 64, and(c) measuring element 66. For one embodiment of the disclosed invention,a tracking component 68 is associated with each meter sub-system. Oneadvantage of tracking sub-components is the lower cost of “refurbishing”a meter. Here, a utility will only replace a sub-system of a meteringdevice. For example, the water meter housings 62 is not removed fromservice, and one or more of the sub-components are changed, such asregister 64 and measuring element 66. The assumption is that the housing62 is significantly more durable than the register 64 and measuringelement 66, and it is significantly more expensive to remove the entiremeter than to replace the sub-components. However, such can affect theaccuracy of meter data if not tracked. Based on the example above, theregister 64 and the measuring element 66 may be called “wearable”components.

Additionally, tracking sub-component performance allows for tracking atleast (a) the performance, (b) mean time between failures, and (c) theexpected life span of the wearable components. Such information can beused to alert the approaching end of life of a meter sub-component.Another benefit of tracking sub-components is that one is more confidentas to what sub-components define a metering unit. It should beappreciated that not all sub-components are compatible with each other.For example, not all measurement components 66 are compatible with allhousing elements 62, and not all registers 64 can be correctly coupledwith all measurement components 66. Should the incompatiblesub-components be associated in a metering unit, such a metering unitwill provide inaccurate measurement data. Thus, for the preferredembodiment, the housing tracking item 68 can include informationcompatibility data for the various sub-components.

The software that uses the tracking information can be configured toscan the tracking item 68 associated with housing 62 and measurementcomponents 66 and verify that the proper measurement components 66 areinstalled inside the housing 62. Similarly, the tracking element 68associated with the register 64 can be used to verify the measurementcomponents 66 are compatible with the register 64.

Meter Test Data

The second data type considered is the meter test data. Exemplary metertype data is provided in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Meter Test Data Name Description Meter Serial/ID Number Meteridentification information Last Date Tested Date of last test PreviousRegister Reading The number displayed by the meter's register during apervious test. Current Register Reading The current number displayed bythe meter's register. Current Usage Data Indicates how much fluid flowthe meter has measured since its last test Running Total of Usage DataIndicates how much fluid flow the meter has measured since being putinto service. Test Count Number of times the meter was tested for thecurrent tests Passed/Failed Flag indicating if meter passes or failsAverage Error The average error defined as the difference between MUTsmeasured volume and the reference volume Certification Status TheCertification Status of the meter

As depicted in Table 2 above, exemplary meter test data includes meteridentification information, the date last tested, previous registerreading, current register reading, current usage data, running total ofusage data, test count, pass/fail flag, average measurement error andmeter certification status.

Meter Environmental Data

Ideally, meter environmental data includes the location where the meteris installed (e.g., GPS coordinates), fluid quality data, and metermounting position. Meter environmental data can be any data related tothe environment the MUT 34 was or will be subjected to during use. Table3 below lists exemplary meter environmental data.

TABLE 3 Meter Environmental Data Name Description Location The locationwhere the meter is installed or will be installed; an example would beglobal positioning (GPS) data; Mounting Position Mounting position canaffect the way a meter wears over time. Examples include horizontal andvertical data. Fluid Quality Data Deposition value; suspended solidvalue; Specific Conductance (mS/cm), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l),Salinity (ppt), Turbidity (NTU), Ammonium(a) (mg/l-N), Nitrate (mg/l-n),Chloride (mg/l), Total Dissolved Gas (mmHg), Transmissivity, AmbientLight (μmol s-1 m-2), Chlorophyll (μg/l); Minimum Temperature Thetemperature can be provided by the Maximum Temperature meter or ageneral temperature for the Average Temperature location data. UserDefined User Defined data

Test System Data

Test System Data is considered next. As noted above, the platform 10comprises a plurality of test bench systems characterized by test systemdata. One example of a test bench system is the exemplary fluid metertest system 12 described above. Such a test system includes a collectionof technologies combined to generate meter data, including fluid meteraccuracy data. One purpose of test system data is to allow platform 10to generate a meter data quality indicator/value, which is an indicationof the validity of the associated meter data.

Preferably, the fluid meter test system 12 has been tested and certifiedto comply with a predefined regulatory standard to provide traceabilityto such standards. Examples include the National Institute of Standardsand Technology (NIST). Further, the test technicians are evaluated toverify the test technicians know how to accurately use the fluid metertest system 12. Thus, exemplary test system data includes a list of thetechnologies and their individual calibration status and the standard towhich they are tested to verify compliance. Also included is a list oftest technicians that have been evaluated and deem to have the abilityto componentry use the fluid meter test system 12.

The test system data may also include the test process used by a testtechnician. For example, the test system may be evaluated to verify thatthe test technicians and test system hardware and software are capableof accurately testing fluid meters to the ISO/AWWA C715 standard. Anytest process may be evaluated, and a data confidence value assigned tothe associated data using such a process. For example, if meter data isgenerated by (a) a test system with current calibrations for allhardware components (i.e., a certified test system), (b) has the latestmaterial hardware and software upgrades, and (c) is operated by verifiedtechnicians, the meter data would be given a meter data quality value of“High.” Exemplary data quality values would range from High to Medium toLow. Any suitable method for identifying data quality may be used,including numbers. Such data quality value would preferably beassociated with meter data transferred to the centralized data storagesystem for the meter under test 34.

A Posterior Database

As noted above, the platform software is configured to associate meterdata with test system data in a centralized data storage system 14 todefine and create an A Posterior Meter Database (APM Database) providingknowledge from observations and experience through deduction of probablecauses with regard to meter performance. Such APM Database ideallyprovides a plurality of meter dependability and accuracy values based onreal-world data from meters used in a plurality of environments fromaround the world. An a posteriori analysis based on such meter dataincludes values for the mean time between failures (MTBF), MTBF valuesfor a particular environment, accuracy drift value, accuracy drift valuefor a particular environment over time, and based on usage data.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The inventionshould therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment,method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within thescope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A platform configured for evaluating meteringtechnologies and generate meter profiles using information derived froma plurality of meters retrieved from a plurality of meteringenvironments, said platform comprising: a centralized data storagesystem in communication with at least one test bench system; a computingdevice for automatically controlling the at least one test bench systemto measure the accuracy of fluid meters to generate meter test data;test system data for said at least one test bench system; meter datacomprising meter type data and meter test data for each meter tested;meter environmental data comprising meter install location data; whereinsaid computing device is configured to transfer at least part of saidtest system data, said meter data, and said meter environmental data toat least one of (a) said centralized data storage system or (b) a localdata silo in communication with said centralized data storage system andwherein said platform is configured to generate meter profiles usingsaid at least part of said test system data, said meter data, and saidmeter environmental data.
 2. A platform configured for evaluatingmetering technologies as in claim 1, wherein said meter environmentaldata comprises at least one of fluid quality data and meter mountingorientation.
 3. A platform configured for evaluating meteringtechnologies as in claim 1, wherein said meter type data comprises atleast three of: meter manufacturer, meter model, meter size, registertype, transmitter type, meter manufacture date and meter placed inservice date.
 4. A platform configured for evaluating meteringtechnologies as in claim 1, wherein said meter type data comprises atleast three of a housing element identifier, a measuring elementidentifier, a register identifier and a transmitter identifier.
 5. Aplatform configured for evaluating metering technologies as in claim 1,wherein said test system data comprises the calibration status for thetest bench system, said calibration status identifying the regulatorystandard in which the test bench system is certified.
 6. A platformconfigured for evaluating metering technologies as in claim 1, whereinsaid test system data comprises test technician certification statusindicating the test system for which said test technician is certified.7. A platform configured for evaluating metering technologies as inclaim 1, wherein said test system data comprises a data quality value.8. A platform configured for evaluating metering technologies as inclaim 1, wherein a meter database associates a posteriori meter valuesderived from an a posteriori analysis of at least part of said testsystem data, said meter data, and said meter environmental data.
 9. Aplatform configured for evaluating metering technologies as in claim 1,wherein said meter profile comprises at least one of a mean time betweenfailure value for a meter type or a mean time between failure value fora meter type for a particular environment.
 10. A platform configured forevaluating metering technologies as in claim 1, wherein said meterprofile comprises at least one of an overall accuracy drift value, anaccuracy drift value for a particular environment or an accuracy driftvalue based on usage.
 11. A platform configured for evaluating andprofiling metering technologies, said platform comprising: a centralizeddata storage system; a computer controlled test bench system incommunication with said centralized data storage system, said computercontrolled test bench system configured to (a) to generate or receivemeter data, and (b) measure the accuracy of fluid meters retrieved froma plurality of metering environments; test system data thatcharacterizes said computer controlled test bench system; meter accuracydata generated by said computer controlled test bench system; a platformcomputer configured to generate a meter data quality value for eachmeter tested based at least in part on said meter accuracy data and atleast part of said test system data and wherein said platform computerassociates said meter data quality value with the meter associated withsaid meter accuracy data; and wherein said platform computer is furtherconfigured to provide a meter profiles.
 12. A platform configured forevaluating and profiling metering technologies as in claim 11, whereinsaid meter data comprises meter type data, and meter environmental data.13. A platform configured for evaluating and profiling meteringtechnologies as in claim 11, wherein said platform computer controlssaid test bench system.
 14. A platform configured for evaluating andprofiling metering technologies as in claim 11, wherein said computercontrolled test bench system stores its meter data, meter accuracy data,meter data quality value, and said test system data in a local data siloin communication with said centralized data storage system.
 15. Aplatform configured for evaluating and profiling metering technologiesas in claim 11, wherein said meter environmental data comprises meterinstall location and at least one of fluid quality data and metermounting position.
 16. A platform configured for evaluating andprofiling metering technologies as in claim 15, wherein said fluidquality data comprises at least four of deposition value, suspendedsolid value, strainer flow value, low temperature, high temperature,average temperature, specific conductance (mS/cm), pH, dissolved oxygen(mg/l), salinity (ppt), turbidity (NTU), ammonium(a) (mg/l−N), nitrate(mg/l−n), chloride (mg/l), total dissolved gas (mmHg), transmissivity,ambient light (μmol s−1 m−2), and chlorophyll (μg/l) for the fluid beingmetered.
 17. A platform configured for evaluating and profiling meteringtechnologies as in claim 12, wherein said meter type data comprises atleast three of: meter manufacturer, meter model, meter size, registertype, transmitter type, meter manufacture date and meter placed inservice date.
 18. A platform configured for evaluating and profilingmetering technologies as in claim 12, wherein said meter type datacomprises at least two of a housing element identifier, a measuringelement identifier, a register identifier and a transmitter identifier.19. A platform configured for evaluating and profiling meteringtechnologies, said platform comprising: a centralized data storagesystem means for communicating with a test bench system characterized bytest system data; a computer controlled test bench system configured fortesting a fluid meter from any one of a plurality of meteringenvironments and generating meter accuracy data and associating a meterprofile with the fluid meter tested, said meter profile based on saidmeter accuracy, and said test system data and meter data wherein saidmeter data comprises at least one of meter type data, meter test data,meter environmental data; and a platform computer means for generating ameter data quality value for each meter profile and associating saidmeter data quality value with said meter profile.
 20. A platformconfigured for evaluating and profiling metering technologies as inclaim 19, wherein said computer controlled test bench system stores atleast one of said meter accuracy data, said meter data, said test systemdata and said meter data quality value in a local data silo incommunication with said centralized data storage system means.